Can dogs eat nectarines? Nectarines are nutritious fruits that you can occasionally share with your dog. They are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, which support the gut and immune system function.
However, be wary of the side effects nectarines may cause if fed haphazardly to your pooch.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of nectarines on your dog’s health. We will also tackle how you can safely feed these fruits to him.
Health Benefits of Nectarines to Dogs
Are nectarines good for dogs? Yes, nectarines are good for your dog since they offer many health-boosting vitamins and minerals. Consuming these fruits can help improve their different body functions, including:
Bone and Muscle Development
Nectarine for dogs is a good source of magnesium. It promotes better absorption of other bone-strengthening minerals such as calcium, potassium, and zinc.
Magnesium also plays an important role in proper muscle function, including the tissues of the cardiovascular system.
Another mineral nectarines are enriched with is potassium. It supports good bone health by improving bone density and ensuring proper bone growth.
Fast muscle development is another health benefit our four-legged friends can obtain from potassium.
Immune System
Nectarines are packed with vitamins A and C, which assist in bolstering the immunity of dogs against various diseases. Both nutrients serve as antioxidants, which eradicate free radicals that can cause severe damage to the cells.
Vitamins A and C aid in fighting off a wide range of canine ailments, from skin allergies and eye problems to cognitive decline and cancer.
Digestive System
Eating nectarines provide a chock-full of dietary fiber, which is great for maintaining good digestive health. It hinders the proliferation of bad gut bacteria in the digestive tract, preventing stomach problems like constipation and diarrhea.
Dietary fiber is also crucial for regulating dogs’ bowel movements and helps firm up stools.
Downsides of Nectarines to Dogs
Nectarines for dogs are good for canine health, but carelessly feeding them to your dog puts him at risk of certain dangers like:
Cyanide Poisoning
Can dogs eat nectarine pits? No, nectarine pits are toxic to dogs because they contain trace amounts of cyanide. Ingesting them in large amounts can result in poisoning.
However, for small dogs, it would only take only a few nectarine pits to induce the condition.
The most common symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs include:
- Excessive drooling
- Dilated pupils
- Labored breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, the toxicity can cause tremors and convulsions. Early clinical signs of cyanide poisoning tend to appear within 10–20 minutes of consuming the nectarine pit.
If your dog exhibits the symptoms above, bring him to the vet as soon as possible.
Choking and Intestinal Blockage
Poisoning is not the only danger nectarine pits pose to dogs. Their toughness makes them hard to chew, which may lead your dog to accidentally swallow them and choke. The pits can potentially cause esophageal damage, too, because of their rough edges.
Aside from being choking hazards, they may obstruct your dog’s digestive system when ingested. Stomach blockage is a very life-threatening emergency that needs immediate vet care.
Gastric Distress
The fiber in nectarines is beneficial to your dog’s health when consumed in moderation. However, stomach problems may arise once too much fiber is in his system. It commonly leads to vomiting and diarrhea.
These side effects are often temporary and tend to go away within a few hours or days.
If your pooch continues to suffer from vomiting and diarrhea for more than 2 days, he might get extremely dehydrated. Send him to the vet immediately for prompt treatment.
Obesity and Diabetes
Nectarines for dogs have a high sugar content that can play a part in the onset of canine obesity. Excessive sugar consumption also increases the risk of diabetes in dogs.
Can dogs eat white nectarines if they are diabetic? Given the circumstance, it is not a good idea to share this fruit with diabetic canines.
Sugars can influence the stability of blood sugar levels. Too much of it can lead to dangerous blood glucose spikes.
What Types and Parts of Nectarines Are Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs eat nectarines with skin?
Yes, nectarine skin is safe for dogs to eat. However, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before serving. The fruit’s surface often collects dust and dirt, which can be harmful to your dog’s health.
Can dogs eat nectarine flesh?
Yes, nectarine flesh is perfectly fine for your dog to eat. Since it contains plenty of dietary fiber, only feed it to him in minimal quantities. Always slice nectarine flesh into small pieces to make it easier for your pooch to consume and avoid the risk of choking.
Can dogs have nectarine or peach?
Nectarines and peaches can be shared with dogs but in moderation. Both contain thick, poisonous pits, which should be removed when preparing these fruits for your pooch.
Can dogs eat white nectarines?
Yes, white nectarines are rich in vitamin C and also provide vitamin K, folate, and calcium to dogs.
White nectarines have a sweeter taste than the yellow variety, which means higher sugar content. Thus, only feed it to your dog in small portions.
Can dogs eat yellow nectarines?
Yes, yellow nectarines can be given to dogs. Just be careful not to offer large servings since this fruit variety has higher acidity. Overeating yellow nectarines can lead your furry friend to have an upset stomach.
Can dogs eat canned nectarines?
Avoid canned nectarines if you are looking for human foods to share with your dog. They are excessively high in sugar and often contain plenty of preservatives, which are unhealthy for him.
Recommended Serving of Nectarines to Dogs
How much nectarine can a dog have? Only let your dog eat a small amount of nectarine to avoid tummy troubles and other unwanted adverse reactions.
A good rule of thumb is that small breeds can only have up to 1–2 slices of nectarines. Larger dogs can eat 4–5 pieces of the fruit at most.
Frozen Nectarine Dog Sticks Recipe
Turn plain nectarines into sweet frozen dog treats with the help of this recipe.
What you need:
- 2 cups pitted, sliced fresh nectarines
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/8 cup tapioca flour
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons honey
Procedure:
- Half-fill a sauce pot with water and put the sliced nectarines and Greek yogurt in. Bring to a boil while stirring, and then reduce the heat.
- Allow to simmer for 30 minutes or until the nectarines have a soft consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to the blender and blend until smooth. Return to low heat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, place the tapioca flour and gradually pour in 1/4 cold water while stirring. You can continue to add more water if the mixture is too dry.
- Add the tapioca mixture to the saucepan and mix thoroughly until a thick consistency is formed.
- Add honey and oats to the mixture and stir properly.
- Remove the nectarine mixture from the heat and place it in the fridge for 1–2 hours.
- Take out the cold nectarine mixture and roll it to make thick fruit sticks.
- Coat the nectarine dog sticks with oats and freeze them to harden.
